The spirit of ANZAC was alive and well as crowds tuned out for the Dawn service, the March and Monument observance and the Dedication ceremony of three bronze plaques listing the 354 names of those who volunteered or served overseas in WWII and subsequent conflicts. New flags, donated by the Creswick Lighthorse Troop fluttered proudly from the mastheads of three new flagpoles, the gift of Sgt. Gary Chandler and Mr. Alan Gay, during the moving ceremony.

Shrouds of the cairns represented White for the Navy, Jungle Green for the AIF and Royal Blue for RAAF and were unveiled by Hon. Michael Ronaldson MHR. Former Vietnam Salvation Army Chaplain, Legatee son Mathews, performed the ceremony of dedication, and wreaths were laid by invited dignitaries. Both speakers commended the RSL and Project Director, Jack Sewell, AM for his effects in creating a place of reflection and remembrance at the town's centrepoint for future generations to focus on the deeds of their forbears. young men and women who went to war, and those names now live on for posterity, include 8 men who enlisted in the RAN, 251 in AIF, 64 in RAAF, 1 in Korea, 1 in BCOF, 8 in Vietnam. Women's services: 6 in Nursing, 5 in AWAS, 1 in AAMWS, 8 in WAAF and 1 in RAN.

Thirteen men were "Killed in action or missing" and nine taken "prisoner of war". A Military Medal was awarded to T.J. Fletcher who died in action and H.L. Dunkley from North Creswick, won the Military Cross for bravery. "It is fitting", Mr. Sewell said, "that after 56 years the names of these residents of the former Creswick Shire be recorded". he thanked Hepburn Shire for its support of the project, the Federal government for grant money, local MP Diane Hadden for support of a further submission for state funding to precede with hall and grounds upgrading, the Creswick Lions Club which raised $6,000 and generous public organisations and individuals who contributed to the Appeal. he urged families who had not yet contributed to remember their loved ones in a practical way, before the Appeal closes next month. Donations with a RSL receipt, will be accepted at Mitch's store in Albert Street.

President, Jeff McMilian, thanked official guests for attendance, families and young people who turned out in suchnumbers, and local organisations who contributed so much to the success of ANZAC Day in creswick each year. Special thanks went to the RSL Women's Auxiliary and Laurel Club women who made 28 laurel wreaths and supplied an abundant luncheon following the ceremonies.

2002

A rain-drenched crowd of some 400, predominately young people, including 120 at the floodlit Field of Crosses for the Dawn service on ANZAC Day, paid reverent tribute to the dead of many wars since Gallipoli.

Thinning ranks of veterans marched up Albert Street to stirring military music by Creswick Brass Band behind Vietnam veteran and RSL President Jeff McMillan, and flag-bearers Daryl Hicks and Gordon Graham. There followed a strong contingent of mounted Lighthorse Troopers, uniformed Firemen, Scouts and Guides and children from three schools, each bearing floral tributes and laurel wreaths in memory of the fallen.

Umbrellas went up as the rain teemed down whilst hymns were sung and prayers recited and the words of speaker, RSL Life Member, Mr. Jack Sewell, AM reminded the gathering that Australia's freedom had indeed been earned at great cost, not only on Gallipoli and France, but during WWII, with war on our very shores, following the bombing of Darwin and Broome and sinking of the hospital ship, Centaur, off Queensland coast in 1942. They were perilous days for this country. He spoke of his experiences with 22 Squadron, RAAF, serving twelve months of deprivation and danger in New Guinea at nineteen years of age. Two meals daily were dehydrated rations, limited drinking water with salt water used for all other personal purposes. Death of comrades and horrific atrocities, including the capture, beheading and bayoneting, by a savage enemy, of Squadron members, one being awarded the VC posthumously for his heroism were memories always clear on ANZAC Day. At home, every man and woman capable of defending the nation was called to service, while families left behind endured blackouts and rationing for food, clothing and petrol. "Yes, our freedom was earned at a very high price so that we can today sing: "Australians all let us rejoice for wee are young and free", Mr Sewell said.

Important Traditions: Significance of the Red Poppy, The Last Post and Reveille, ANZAC traditions, were explained in detail for the benefit of the many children attending. Poppies growing naturally on battlefields reflected loss of blood and life of heroes who died. The Last Post originated in the seventeenth century at British outposts of Empire and called the troops back to barracks to rest at lights out; Reveille was the wake-up call back to life and work again. The bugle calls symbolise the death and immortality of heroes and are played at the burials of veterans.

In Flanders Fields: The moving poem, penned by a Canadian Medical corpsman, Dr John McCrae, during WWI was recited by Mr. Sewell. His grandson Mr. Bradley Sewell, representing the modern generation, made the response:

Oh, you who sleep in Flanders Fields, Sleep sweet to rise anew. We caught the torch you threw and holding high, We kept the faith of you who died. We cherish too, the Poppy Red that grows, On fields where valour led. It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies But lends a lustre to the Red of the Flower That blooms above the dead In Flanders Fields. And now, the Torch and Poppy Red, Wear in honour of our dead. Fear not that you have died for naught, We've learned the lessons that you taught... In Flanders Fields.

2003

The 10.30 a.m. parade was led by the Creswick Municipal band, followed by the ex-service personnel, Scouts, Schools, Fire Brigade and nineteen members of the Creswick Blue Light/R.S.L. Light Horse Troop. This fully equipped troop, the largest parade of horses in the country, followed up Albert Street and quietly stood for the service at the Cenotaph.

Introduced by Creswick Ward Councillor Phil Millar, the Guest Speaker Michael Clark gave the address in which he told the story of the youngest ANZAC, 14 year-old Jim Martin, who volunteered in place of his father who was rejected for service. "Jim is only one of 102,000 on the Australian Honour Roll, each of them had a story to tell; each died doing his duty." said Mr Clark. "we need to give thanks, for them and to them".

Wreaths were laid by many district organisations, including Hepburn Shire, Dianne Hadden MLC, the schools, R.S.L. and Creswick Laurel Club.

2004

During the colourful ANZAC Day March, the largest parade of horses in the country, unique to Creswick, mounted by fully equipped troopers of the Creswick Blue/Light/RSL Lighthouse Troop escorted marchers through the town to the Cenotaph. Creswick Municipal band led the veterans, service organisations, CFA, Scouts and school children. Wreaths made by Laurel Club Women, were placed and guest speaker was Legatee/Rotarian, Alan Gay, who referred to our land, life-style and democracy.

Flag-raising ceremonies were carried out by young Lighthorse troopers and wreath-laying rituals were led by Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr. Maloney. A wreath was later laid in teh War Graves section of Creswick Cemetery and Red cross provided a car for diable veterans and served refreshments ast the RSL hall after the service.

2005

In terms of reverence, dignity and pageantry, Creswick's 90th ANZAC observances ranked among the best staged by any rural community. Such has been the feedback to Creswick RSL following a weekend of preparations and celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of the BlueLight/RSL Lighthorse Troop, held in conjunction with the Dawn Service, March and Memorial Service.

Before a crowd of invited dignitaries and public at the RSL hall forecourt on ANZAC Eve, the emotional ritual of the Return of the Unknown solder was solemnly performed by the young Troopers directed by leader Michael Clark. a lament played by piper, Trooper Megan Chandler, escorted a horse drawn cart bearing the flag-draped casket along Albert St., to be slow-marched onto a black bier for an impressive ceremony that provided closure for many in the crowd who grieved for long gone heroes.

Australia-wide on ANZAC day, no other small community could boast its own magnificent Lighthorse troop (average age sixteen years) immaculately turned out on twenty-seven groomed horsed. They paraded through the town to stand guard over the old diggers, fellow marchers and a huge gallery assembled in bright sunshine to remember Gallipoli and were proudly led by their founder Sgt. Gary Chandler who, with his wife Robyn, earlier had received special awards from their troops honouring their ten years' dedication and ongoing hard work in maintaining the Troop.

Fewer still, are small towns able to support their own Brass Band in leading the March, music for hymn singing and a young bugler; Trooper Susie Koene, played the Lost Post. Adding to Lighthorse pageantry, Band personnel paraded in spotless navy, red and gold uniforms playing gleaming instruments, under the baton of Bandmaster, Lloyd Stinton. Few, if any women elsewhere, make laurel wreaths laid on district monuments as is a tradition carried on by two Newlyn ladies, Beth Cawthan and Freda McRae, for over fifty years. Still dedicated to the Creswick Laurel Club Group led by Robyn Chandler, they made eighteen wreaths this year, proceeds aiding RSL welfare.

Wreath laying at 11.00a.m. was led by Hepburn Shire's Cr. Warren Maloney and the Hon. Dianne Hadden MLC, followed by veteran and community organisations. Legatee and CFA officer, Mark Spenceley, recounted stories of the dire treat to Australia during WWII bombing of Darwin and Broome in 1942. Young Citizen of the Year, trooper Katherine Schon, recited the poem Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep and the Requiem was read by Creswick Primary School Captain, Keely Patworth.

During a revised program this year St. John's Choir led the singing of a new hymn Be Still My Soul and prayers in conclusion were led by Anglican priest Fr. Drew Hanlon. Local Red Cross Unit arrange a car for a the disabled and served refreshments following the march. A gunfire breakfast raised $270 courtesy of local hotel host, Vietnam veteran, Daryl Hicks and wife Chris.

Senior Vice President, Jack Sewell, deputised as Master of Ceremonies for Creswick RSL President of thirty-five years, Jeff McMillian, who attended a Vietnam unit memorial service in Sydney. Record sales were made by badge sellers, Herb McKee, Brian Reasons and Jack Stubbs with a complete sale of the new Slouch Hat $5 badges.

Ode of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow oldAge shall not weary them, nor the years condemnAt the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them